What is the difference between water-based and oil-based antifreeze?

[VanReagan]

Water-based antifreeze has lower maintenance costs, while oil-based antifreeze is more expensive. Water-based antifreeze can be somewhat corrosive to the cooling system, whereas oil-based antifreeze is almost non-corrosive. Here is more information about antifreeze: 1. Coolant, also known as antifreeze coolant, is commonly a water-based ethylene glycol type on the market. Its main components are water, ethylene glycol, antifreeze agents, and other additives, providing antifreeze and cooling functions. Automotive cooling oil is essentially waterless coolant, composed purely of synthetic additives without water, and can also be referred to as a cooling agent. 2. Compared to coolant, cooling oil is superior. Unlike coolant, cooling oil contains no water and cannot be mixed with water. As a result, cooling oil has more responsive thermal balance capabilities, better heat conduction, ensures the engine operates at the optimal temperature, does not corrode the cooling system, has good compatibility with rubber hoses, offers better lubrication performance, and has a service life of up to 30 years. However, relatively speaking, cooling oil is more expensive, has higher maintenance costs, and may even impact safety.